WO2006015438A1

WO2006015438A1 - Submersible vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2006015438A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001203
Authority: WO
Inventors: John William Dawson
Original assignee: John William Dawson
Priority date: 2004-08-10
Filing date: 2005-08-10
Publication date: 2006-02-16

Abstract

A submersible vessel (10) has a chamber (16) having an open bottom. The chamber (16) is arranged such that when the vessel (10) is submerged, air inside the chamber (16) prevents water from filling the chamber (16). The vessel has a support means, such as a seat (14), for supporting a user of the vessel. The support means is arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber (16) during use. The chamber has a transparent portion (18) to enable the user to view an underwater environment during use. The vessel has an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber, wherein the air supply means comprises an air compressor (22) on or above the surface of the body of water and a conduit (24) connecting the air compressor (22) to the chamber (16).

Description

SUBMERSIBLE VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a submersible vessel.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Snorkelling and scuba diving are widely pursued recreational past times throughout the world. Snorkellers can swim on the surface of the ocean or another body of water and dive down to look more closely at objects or marine life of interest. However, snorkellers are limited to diving to a depth that is typically from three to six metres maximum. Each dive is limited to the time at which the snorkeller can hold his or her breath. Thus, although only a modicum of training is required to learn how to snorkel, the actual depth and duration of diving under water experienced by snorkellers is limited.

Scuba diving allows the diver to descend to greater depths than snorkellers. It also allows the diver to remain under water for extended periods of time. For example, with standard scuba diving tanks, recreational divers can remain at depths of 10 to 15 metres for up to one hour. As the depth of the dive increases, the amount of time at which the diver can stay under water decreases, because the increasing depth of the dive results in more air being consumed each breath due to the greater pressure acting on the air. Scuba diving is enjoyed by many people. However, scuba diving suffers from the disadvantage that a rigorous and lengthy training period is required before a diver is certified as a properly qualified diver.

In order to avoid difficulties associated with the lengthy training procedure required to become a certified underwater diver whilst still allowing non-qualified divers to experience the underwater environment, submersible vessels have been designed. Such submersible vessels range from what are effectively mini-submarines that house occupants inside a sealed chamber to variations on diving bells. In diving bells, a chamber having an open bottom is filled with air. At least the head, and in some instances, much larger portions of the user's body, is positioned inside the chamber. As the open bottomed chamber is lowered into the water, the pressure of air inside the open bottom chamber prevents water from filling the chamber.

Australian patent no. 671664 describes a submersible vessel that is based upon the diving bell principle. The vessel described in Australian patent no. 671664 includes a seat having a body portion extending above and connected to the seat. The body portion has an interior compartment having an opening facing towards the seat. When a rider sits astride the seat, at least the head of the rider is received through the opening into the compartment. The legs of the rider are also permitted to fully extend freely below the vessel. This allows the rider to "walk" the vessel along the bottom of the ocean or other body of water. The compartment has a transparent portion so that the user of the vessel can see out into the underwater environment. The vessel also includes an air supply that has a tank for containing compressed air and a conduit connecting the tank to the compartment which receives the users head. The air tank is shown as being mounted under the seat of the vessel shown in Australian patent no. 671664.

The applicant does not concede that any prior art discussed in this specification forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative submersible vessel. hi a first aspect, the present invention provides a submersible vessel for use in a body of water, the vessel including a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged, air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, said support means being arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, the chamber having a transparent portion to enable the user to view an underwater environment during use by the user, and an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber, wherein the air supply means comprises an air compressor on or above the surface of the body of water and a conduit connecting the air compressor to the chamber. Preferably, the air compressor floats on a raft to which the submersible vessel is tethered. Preferably, a rope tethers the vessel to the raft. Suitably, the tether rope restricts the depth to which the vessel can descend. This provides a safety advantage for the submersible vessel of the present invention in that the depth to which the vessel is allowed to extend is restricted. This minimises the chace of losing the vessel into deep water. It also assists in keeping the vessel above the floor of the ocean, which can prevent injuries to the user that may be caused if the user comes into contact with the floor of the ocean. It also avoids damaging the ocean floor in sensitive eco systems.

It will be appreciated that the provision of a tether rope is an optional feature of the present invention and that the function of the tether rope may be adequately provided by the conduit that connects the air compressor to the chamber.

In embodiments where the air compressor is mounted on a raft that floats on the surface of the body of water, it is preferred that the raft is able to move across the surface of the water as the vessel moves under the water. Suitably, the raft may be allowed to move only about a restricted range, which, in turn, allows the submersible vessel to only move about a restricted range. For example, the raft may be connected to a guide rope in a manner that allows the raft to move along the guide rope. Alternatively, the raft may be able to move along the side of a pontoon but only be allowed to move a restricted distance away from the pontoon.

The support means may comprise a seat connected to a chamber. For example, the vessel may include a body having a seat, with the chamber forming part of or being connected to the body such that the chamber is positioned above the seat.

Alternatively, the support means may comprise a standing platform or two or more standing platforms on which the user can stand. The distance between the standing platform(s) and the chamber may be adjustable to enable users of different heights to use the vessel.

In embodiments where the support means includes a seat, it is preferred that the submersible vessel further includes foot rest means extending transversely from a lower part of the body to prevent the user from putting his or her feet below the machine during use. This provides an important safety aspect for the vessel of the present invention in that arranging the vessel such that the feet of the user cannot extend below the vessel prevents the user from placing his or her feet into contact with the ocean floor underneath the vessel. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the vessel could be used in underwater environments that include sharp objects, such as coral, shellfish, stonefish or other bottom dwelling fish having sharp or poisonous spines, and broken glass. Provision of foot rest means to prevent the user from putting his or her feet below the vessel will minimise or avoid the risk of the user cutting his or her feet on objects on the floor of the body of water. - A -

The foot rest means may comprise a plate or plates extending transversely from the body. Suitably, the foot rest means comprises a single plate attached to the underside of the body and extending transversely to both sides of the body.

The foot rest means may also include shaped or contoured foot receiving portions for enhanced used comfort.

In order to more effectively control the buoyancy of the vessel, the vessel preferably further includes a buoyancy bladder for controlling the buoyancy of the vessel.

The buoyancy bladder may be provided with air from the air compressor or it may be provided with air from a separate air supply, such as a compressed air tank. The compressed air tank may be connected to the buoyancy bladder by a conduit.

The vessel is suitably provided with appropriate controls for controlling operation of the depth of descent. Preferably, the controls are mounted to a forward facing part of the vessel to allow easy access to the controls by a dive master. In this regard, safety regulations in a number of countries will require that a dive master closely supervise use of the vessel by non-qualified divers. It is envisaged that two or three vessels will be taken for a dive together, with a single dive master responsible for controlling the two or three vessels. To facilitate control of the vessel in these circumstances, the forward facing controls are preferably provided.

The vessel may also be provided with a propulsion system to enable the vessel to move through the water. The propulsion system may include a motor. The motor may drive a propeller. Alternatively, the propulsion system may comprise a jet propulsion system.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a submersible vessel for use in a body of water, the vessel including a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, a seat connected to the chamber, the seat being located such that a user sitting on the seat is positioned such that at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber and a foot rest means for preventing a user sitting on the seat from placing his or her feet below the vessel.

In the vessel of the second aspect of the present invention, the air supply means may comprise an air compressor located on or above the surface of the body of water and a conduit connecting the air compressor to the chamber. Alternatively, the air supply means may comprise a tank of compressed air and a conduit connecting a tank of compressed air to the chamber. The tank of compressed air may suitably be mounted to the vessel. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a submersible vessel for use in a body of water comprising a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, said support means being arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, the support means being arranged to prevent the feet of a user from extending below the vessel, the chamber having a transparent portion to enable an user to view an underwater environment during use and an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber.

The air supply means of the vessel in accordance with the third aspect of the invention may be as described with reference to the air supply means used in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

The vessel of the second and third aspects of the present invention may have other features as described with reference to the preferred features of the first aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment the chamber movable relative to the seat. For example, the chamber may be hinged to the vessel. This allows the chamber to be hingedly moved (or pivotally moved) about the hinged connection to facilitate positioning of a rider on the vessel. Most preferably, in order to load a rider onto the vessel, the vessel may be located such that the chamber is adjacent the surface and suitably just above the surface. The chamber may then be moved (for example, about the hinges) so that the chamber is moved and is not positioned directly above the seat. A rider can then position himself or herself on the seat and the chamber can then be moved back into an in-use position such that the rider's head is positioned within the chamber. In this fashion, a nervous or tentative user does not have to immerse himself or herself completely in the water to be able to ride the vessel. Loading of mobility impaired riders is also facilitated in this embodiment. Suitably, the vessel in this embodiment is also provided with locking means to lock the chamber into an in-use position. The locking means provides greater security in ensuring that the chamber remains in the in-use position whilst the vessel is submerged. The locking means may suitably be a retaining pin that passes through suitable openings in the vessel body and the chamber. The openings may be formed in lugs. Other locking means may also be used.

The embodiment in which the chamber is hinged to the vessel may be used with the first, second or third aspect of the present invention.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a submersible vessel for use in a body of water comprising a chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, the chamber being movable from an in-use position in which the chamber has an open bottom and in which the chamber is located above the support means such that at least a head of the user extends into the chamber, and a loading position in which the chamber is positioned to facilitate loading of a user. Preferably, the chamber is hinged to the vessel. Preferably the vessel is provided with locking means to retain the chamber in the in-use position.

The vessel of the fourth aspect of the present invention may have, as preferred features, the features as described with reference to a first, second and third aspect of the invention. In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a submersible vessel for use in a body of water, the vessel including a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged, air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, the support means being arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, the chamber having a transparent portion to enable the user to view an underwater environment during use by the user, an air supply means for supply of air to the chamber, and a propulsion system including a flow passage through which water is selectively forced to flow, the flow passage having an outlet from which water exits the flow passage, the outlet being movable relative to the body of the vessel, and a steering controller operable by the user of the vessel, the steering controller controlling the position of the outlet relative to the body of the vessel. In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a submersible vessel for use in a body of water, the vessel including a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged, air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, said support means being arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, the chamber having a transparent portion to enable the user to view an underwater environment during use by the user, an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber, a propulsion system including a flow passage through which water is selectively forced to flow, the water exiting from the flow passage through an outlet, and a steering controller operable by a user of the vessel, the steering controller controlling a direction of flow of water leaving the outlet of the flow passage to thereby allow the vessel to be steered.

Suitably, the flow passage includes a conduit extending rearwardly from the vessel, the conduit being connected to the vessel such that the outlet of the conduit is movable relative to the body of the vessel. More suitably, the conduit is pivotally connected to the vessel such that the conduit is pivotally movable by operation of the steering controller. Suitably, operation of the steering controller causes the outlet of the conduit to move from side to side. It will also be appreciated that the conduit may be arranged such that the outlet of the conduit may also move upwardly and downwardly.

The steering controller is operable by the user of a vessel. The steering controller may comprise a steering wheel or, more suitably, handle bars. The steering wheel or handle bars are suitably mounted to the body of the vessel in a position that is comfortable and convenient for the user of the vessel to use. The steering controller is suitably operatively connected to the flow passage to enable the direction of flow of water exiting the flow passage to be controlled. The steering controller may be operatively connected to the flow passage by suitable mechanical linkages. Alternatively, the steering controller could incorporate "steer by wire" technology incorporating appropriate electronics at the steering controller to control movement of the flow passage.

Movement of the flow passage may be controlled, for example, by appropriate servo motors operated by the electronics that receive input signals from the steering controller. The propulsion system may suitably include a motor, especially a pneumatic motor or an electric motor, that causes water to flow through the flow passage. The motor may drive a propeller or it may drive a jet propulsion system. In either case, water is caused to flow through the flow passage and to exit from the flow passage.

The flow passage suitably includes at least one inlet located in the body of the vessel and a portion extending through the body of the vessel.

Other preferred features of the submersible vessel may be as described with referenced to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a side view of a submersible vehicle in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the submersible vehicle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a vessel in accordance with the present invention in which the chamber is hinged to the vessel; Figure 4 is a side view of the vessel shown in Figure 3 with the chamber in the in-use position;

Figure 5 is a side view of the vessel shown in Figure 3 with the chamber in a position for loading a user onto the vessel;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic plan view, partly in cross-section, of the vessel of Figure 3 showing details of the locking mechanism; and

Figure 7 is a side view of an upper part of the vessel of Figure 5 showing the locking mechanism in greater detail;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a submersible vessel in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a rear view showing more detail of the outlet of the flow passage;

Figure 10 shows a rear view of the submersible vessel shown in figures 8 and 9 with the rear part of the flow passage positioned at one outer most position; and

Figure 11 shows a similar view to that shown in Figure 10 but with the outlet of the flow passage positioned at the other outer most position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that the attached drawings have been provided to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention should not be considered to be limited to the features as shown in the attached drawings.

The submersible vehicle 10 in accordance with the present invention includes a body 12. The body 12 carries a seat 14. The upper part of the body 12 includes an open bottomed chamber 16. Chamber 16 includes a transparent portion 18 that allows a user of the vehicle 10 to view an underwater environment when the vehicle is submerged.

The body 12 is arranged such that, in use, a user of the vehicle sits on seat

14 and the user's head extends through the open bottom of chamber 16 and into the chamber 16. Chamber 16 operates on the principle of a diving bell in that air is supplied to chamber 16. The air in chamber 16 prevents water from filling chamber 16 when the vehicle 10 is submerged.

In order to supply air to chamber 16, a floating raft 20 is provided. Floating raft 20 has an air compressor 22 mounted thereon. A conduit 24 connects the air compressor 22 to the chamber 16. As best shown in Figure 2, a connector valve 26 is used to connect the conduit to the chamber 16. Similarly, a connector valve 28 is used to connect the conduit 24 to the air compressor 22.

The combination of the raft 20 and air compressor 22 may, for example, be purchased from Power Dive International Pty Ltd of Brisbane, Australia. The compressor is preferably battery-powered. The vessel 10 is also provided with footrests 30. As best shown in Figure

2, footrests 30 extend to a certain degree in a transverse direction to the body. In this fashion, the footrests 30 prevent the user of the vehicle from placing their feet below the vehicle 10. This has safety implications for the user, particularly where the submersible vessel is used in environments where sharp objects (such as coral, spiny fish or broken glass) are present on the floor of the underwater environment.

The vessel 10 may also be provided with a tank of compressed air 32. This tank of compressed air 32 is connected by an appropriate conduit to a buoyancy bag that is mounted within the body of the vehicle. The buoyancy bag is used to control the buoyancy of the vehicle, and hence to control the depth of immersion of the vehicle.

In use of the vehicle, the raft 20 floats on the surface of the ocean or other marine environment 34. Air is supplied from compressor 22 via conduit 24 into chamber 16. Excess air may freely bubble out of the bottom end of the chamber 16. Alternatively, an upper part of the chamber 16 may be provided with an air release valve. This is not preferred as malfunctioning of such an air release valve may result in rapid depletion of air inside the chamber 16. The user of the vehicle sits on seat 14 and the user's head extends into chamber 16. It will be appreciated that the user, by virtue of having his or her head positioned in the chamber 16, is able to breathe air in the chamber. The air is continuously replenished via fresh air delivered through compressor 22 and conduit 24.

Where non-qualified divers are using the device, it is envisaged that a dive master will be required to accompany the users. The dive master will typically place himself at an aft position of the vehicle, for example as shown by the position occupied by reference numeral 36. To enable the dive master to easily control the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 may be provided with forward facing controls 38, which enable the dive master to control at least the buoyancy (and hence the depth of immersion) of the vehicle.

Typically, the dive master is a scuba diver. As an added safety feature, the dive master is preferably provided with a spare air regulator, as is commonly provided on scuba diving equipment. This will allow the dive master to provide a source of air by passing the spare regulator to the user of the vehicle 10 in the event that air inside the chamber 16 becomes depleted or otherwise unusable. Alternatively, the buoyancy control air tank 32 may also be provided with a safety regulator that, in emergencies, can be placed in the mouth of a user of the vehicle 10. Any such safety regulator that is connected to air tank 32 will be essentially a scuba diving regulator that is well known to the person skilled in the art.

The vessel 10 may also be provided with a propulsion source, such as an electric motor and a propeller. The propulsion source may be arranged in a similar manner to the device shown in Australian patent no. 671664 or, alternatively, as described in more detail hereunder.

The apparatus shown in Figure 1 has a number of advantages over prior art vehicles. In particular, the use of a floating compressor connected to a raft minimises the downtime required in prior art vessels which required frequent and constant changing of the compressed air tanks on those vessels. Further, the footrests of the vehicle of the present invention are designed such that the users cannot place their feet below the vehicle. This improves the safety of the vehicle. The forward facing controls of the vehicle also make it easier for the dive master to control the vehicle.

The use of a floating air compressor also has the added benefit of being able to control the maximum depth to which the vehicle can descend. It may also be possible to control movement of the raft (for example, by tethering the raft or by allowing the raft to move only over a restricted region) to thereby restrict the travel of the submersible vehicle 10.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the footrests 30 also include an upstanding outer wall 40 which further assists in retaining the feet of the user in the footrest. The walls 40 may also assist in improving the comfort of the footrests.

Figures 3 to 7 show a further embodiment in accordance with the present invention in which the chamber is hinged to the body of the vessel. The vessel shown in Figures 3 to 6 has a number of features in common with that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and for convenience like reference numerals will be used to refer to like features. These features need not be described further.

The vessel shown in Figures 3 to 7 differs from that shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that the chamber 16 is hingedly connected to the body 12. In particular, chamber 16 is formed with a chamber extension 50 that is mounted by hinges 52, 54 to an upper part 56 of the body 12. The hinged connection of the chamber 16 to the body 12 allows the chamber 16 to move from the in-use position shown in Figures 3 and 4 to a loading position as shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the chamber 16 has been moved about hinges 52, 54 such that the chamber 16 is positioned out of direct alignment with seat 14. As such, a rider can move to sit astride seat 14 by simply lowering himself or herself onto the seat. Once the rider is astride the seat, the chamber 16 can be pivoted back about the hinges 52, 54 such that the chamber 16 surrounds at least the head of the user. Thus, the arrangement shown in Figures 3 to 5 greatly facilitates loading of a user onto the apparatus.

It will be appreciated that, in embodiments where the chamber 16 is not hingedly mounted to the body 12, that it is necessary for the rider to place his or her head at a level below the level of the bottom of the chamber and then manoeuvre his or her head until it enters into the chamber. This can be awkward and would typically require the user to place his or her head under water as part of the loading procedure. First time users or users who are nervous in the water can find this process quite intimidating. Thus, the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5 greatly eases the fears of such users.

It will be appreciated that it is important to maintain the chamber 16 in the in-use position shown in Figure 4 when the vessel is being used under the water. In order to ensure that this occurs, the upper surface of upper part 56 of body 12 is provided with an eyelet or a lug 60 having an opening 62 therein. Eyelet or lug 60 is firmly attached to the upper part 56 of body 12. Similarly, the chamber extension 50 is provided with two similar eyelets or lugs 64, 66. Eyelets or lugs 64, 66 are laterally spaced relative to eyelet or lug 60. When the chamber 16 is moved to the in-use position, the eyelets or lugs 60, 64 and 66 are placed in alignment, as best shown in Figure 6. A retaining pin 68 may then be inserted through the eyelets or lugs in order to retain or lock the chamber 16 into the in-use position. The retaining pin may be provided with an appropriate safety device in order to prevent unwanted removal of the retaining pin. For example, the retaining pin may be fitted with a catch pin, a split pin or a circlip that retains the retaining pin in position through the eyelets or lugs 60, 64, 68. Alternatively, the retaining pin may have a spring loaded button on it to retain it in position. The vessel shown in the embodiments of Figures 3 to 7 is suitably provided with the same air supply arrangement as the vessel shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 8 shows a submersible vessel 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The submersible vessel 10 includes a chamber 12 having an open bottom 14. The front portion 16 of the chamber 12 is made of a transparent material such that a user can view an underwater environment when the vessel 10 is submerged. The chamber 12 is supplied with air by means of an air supply such as described in my provisional patent application nos. 2004904502 or 2004906964, whereas described in Australian patent no. 671664. The vessel also includes a body 18. The chamber 12 is either formed integrally with the body 18 or attached to the body 18. The body 18 carries a seat 20. In use, a user of the vessel 10 sits on the seat 20 and the head of the user extends upwardly into the chamber 12. The body 18 is also provided with foot rests 22 on either side of the body (only one such foot rest is shown in Figure 1). The body 18 suitably includes a wrap around portion 24 that wraps around the foot rest 22 to reduce the likelihood of the foot of a user accidentally slipping off the foot rest 22. This is a desirable safety feature, particularly if the submersible vessel 10 is to be used in areas where sharp objects, such as coral, may be located.

The body 18 further includes flow passage inlets 26. Although figure 8 shows only 1 flow passage inlet 26, it will be appreciated that a similar passage is located on the other side of the body. Flow passage inlet 26 leads into flow passage 28 which extends through the body 18. Flow passage 28 is shown in dotted outline in figure 8. A propeller 30 is positioned in the flow passage 28 formed in body 18. Propeller 30 is driven by motor 32. Motor 32 is suitably a hydraulic motor, a fully sealed electric motor or a pneumatic motor .

The flow passage 28 in the body 18 has an outlet 34 at the rear of the vessel. A conduit 36 is mounted slightly inboard of outlet 34 or at the outlet 34. Conduit 36 effectively represents an extension of the flow passage in the body 18.

As best shown in figure 9, conduit 36 is pivotally mounted via a pivot pin 38 slightly in board of the outlet 34 of the flow passage 28 in body 18. This enables the conduit 36 to swivel from side to side about the pivot pin 38.

As also shown in figure 9, conduit 36 has an outlet 40.

Returning to figure 8, the vessel 10 also includes handle bars 42 (shown in dotted outline) that are operatively connected to the conduit 36. Handle bars 42 constitute the steering controller of the vessel 10. The handle bars 42 are positioned for convenient use by a user sitting on the seat 20 of the vessel.

The handle bars 42 may be operatively connected by any known mechanism to cause the conduit 36 to swivel from side to side. For example, turning the handle bars in one direction causes the conduit 36 to swivel in an appropriate direction such that the vessel 10 is steered in the direction indicated by the handle bars. The actual mechanism operatively connecting the handle bars 42 to the conduit 36 may comprise a mechanical linkage or a steer by wire arrangement. In either case, the skilled person would readily understand that a number of different mechanisms would fall within the scope of this invention.

The handle bars 42 are also provided with a throttle 44. The throttle 44 is used to control operation of the motor 32. When it is desired to move the vessel 10, the user twists the throttle 44 to engage the motor 32 to move the vessel 10 through the water.

As best shown in figures 10 and 11, the conduit 36 can move from one outermost position (as shown in figure 10) to another outermost position (as shown in figure 11). Effectively, the outlet 40 of the conduit 36 can be selectively moved and controlled by the user of the vessel 10 such that the outlet 40 directs the stream of water flowing from conduit 36 in the direction desired by the user of the vessel. This enables the vessel to be steered in a direction desired by the user of the vessel.

The water flowing through the flow passage and out of the outlet 40 of the conduit 36 also provides propulsion to the vessel and can be used to drive the vessel through the water. Thus, the water flowing out of conduit 36 acts to both propel and steer the vessel.

The present inventor has surprisingly found that using a propulsion and steering system as described with reference to figures 8 to 11 results in improved performance of the submersible vessel. In particular, the propulsion and steering system provides higher "torque", which provides greater capability to withstand current flows and this allows the vessel to be used in regions of water that have higher current flows than with previous prior art submersible vessels of a similar type.

Although figures 8 to 11 show a submersible vessel in which the conduit 36 moves from side to side, it will also be appreciated that the conduit 36 may be mounted to the vessel such that it may also move in an up and down direction. The submersible vessel in accordance with the present invention can be steered by virtue of directing a flow of water out of the vessel in a desired steering direction. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flow of water of the vessel is directed by use of swiveling conduit mounted to the vessel. It will be appreciated that the present invention may be subject to modifications or variations other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations or modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims

Claims.

1. A submersible vessel for use in a body of water, the vessel including a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged, air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, said support means being arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, the chamber having a transparent portion to enable the user to view an underwater environment during use by the user, and an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber, wherein the air supply means comprises an air compressor on or above the surface of the body of water and a conduit connecting the air compressor to the chamber.

2. A submersible vessel for use in a body of water, the vessel including a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, a seat connected to the chamber, the seat being located such that a user sitting on the seat is positioned such that at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber and a foot rest means for preventing a user sitting on the seat from placing his or her feet below the vessel.

3. A submersible vessel for use in a body of water comprising a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, said support means being arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, the support means being arranged to prevent the feet of a user from extending below the vessel, the chamber having a transparent portion to enable an user to view an underwater environment during use and an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber.

4. A submersible vessel for use in a body of water comprising a chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, the chamber being movable from an in-use position in which the chamber has an open bottom and in which the chamber is located above the support means such that at least a head of the user extends into the chamber, and a loading position in which the chamber is positioned to facilitate loading of a user.

5. A submersible vessel for use in a body of water, the vessel including a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged, air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, the support means being arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, the chamber having a transparent portion to enable the user to view an underwater environment during use by the user, an air supply means for supply of air to the chamber, and a propulsion system including a flow passage through which water is selectively forced to flow, the flow passage having an outlet from which water exits the flow passage, the outlet being movable relative to the body of the vessel, and a steering controller operable by the user of the vessel, the steering controller controlling the position of the outlet relative to the body of the vessel.

6. A submersible vessel for use in a body of water, the vessel including a chamber having an open bottom, the chamber being arranged such that when the vessel is submerged, air inside the chamber prevents water from filling the chamber, support means for supporting a user of the vessel, said support means being arranged such that a user is supported in a position in which at least the head of the user extends into the chamber, the chamber having a transparent portion to enable the user to view an underwater environment during use by the user, an air supply means for supplying air to the chamber, a propulsion system including a flow passage through which water is selectively forced to flow, the water exiting from the flow passage through an outlet, and a steering controller operable by a user of the vessel, the steering controller controlling a direction of flow of water leaving the outlet of the flow passage to thereby allow the vessel to be steered.